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2 fatalities

Fatal aircraft crash during humanitarian flight in Angola (N96BF)

Lobito, AngolaTakeoff (climb)

On December 16, 1994, a Basler BT-67 (registration N96BF) operated by SL Aviation Services was involved in an aviation accident near Lobito, Angola during takeoff. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident is believed to have been caused by a sudden movement of the cargo during the initial climb, leading to a loss of control. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-13Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N96BF
Aircraft registered N96BF. Photo: Ken Fielding / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A cargo flight transporting supplies for the Red Cross crashed shortly after takeoff from Lobito, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

What happened

A transport mission operated on behalf of the International Committee of the Red Cross ended in a fatal accident during a flight from Lobito to Luanda. The aircraft was tasked with delivering 4.6 tons of green beans to its destination. During the initial climb phase, while the plane had reached an altitude of approximately 50 feet, it experienced a stall and impacted the ground near the runway.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. Both members of the flight crew, consisting of two pilots, lost their lives in the accident.

Findings

While investigators were unable to establish a definitive cause for the crash, evidence suggests that the aircraft suffered a loss of control during the early stages of the climb. It is believed that this instability was triggered by an unexpected shift of the cargo within the hold.

Probable cause

The accident is believed to have been caused by a sudden movement of the cargo during the initial climb, leading to a loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Dec 1994 Basler BT-67 accident near Lobito, Angola?

A cargo flight transporting supplies for the Red Cross crashed shortly after takeoff from Lobito, resulting in the deaths of both crew members.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Dec 1994 Basler BT-67 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Dec 1994 involved a Basler BT-67, registration N96BF, operated by SL Aviation Services, at Lobito, Angola.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident is believed to have been caused by a sudden movement of the cargo during the initial climb, leading to a loss of control.

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